By Anzoo Evaline.

Vendors in Yumbe Town Council, Yumbe District, have raised alarm over the deteriorating health and sanitation conditions around the town market, blaming the situation on persistent poor garbage management by the responsible authorities.

Oleru Nusura, one of the market vendors said that, for months now, heaps of uncollected waste have continued to pile up around the market stalls, producing a foul smell and attracting flies and rodents. Traders say the situation has not only scared away customers but also put their health and that of the entire community at serious risk.

“We are suffering. The garbage stays here for days without being collected,” said Oleru Nusura, a vegetable vendor. “The smell is terrible, and most customers fear to buy food from a place that looks this dirty. We fear diseases may break out anytime,” Nusura said.

Other vendors expressed similar concerns, noting that the blocked drainage channels around the market have worsened the situation, especially after rains. Pools of stagnant water have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising fears of malaria and other hygiene-related illnesses.

Amba Swali Annet, a concerned citizen living near the market said that value for money is not seen yet the vendors are paying market dues daily.

“There’s no value for money yet these vendors are paying market dues every but the town council authorities are sleeping on top of the money,” said Amba Swali.

Residents also accuse the town council of failing to enforce proper waste disposal practices among businesses and households surrounding the market.

In response, the LC III of Yumbe Town Council, Odonga Ratib Sahaban, acknowledged the sanitation challenges and attributed the delays in garbage collection to limited operational trucks and budget constraints.

He, however, assured the public that the council is working on a plan to improve waste management and restore cleanliness in the affected areas.

“We are having plans to collect the garbage but what’s delaying us is the Town don’t have its own garbage Truck I want to urge the community to be calm, we are coming to collect the rubbish,” said the LC III Chairman.

The vendors are now urging the authorities to act urgently before the situation escalates into a public health crisis. They say restoring cleanliness in the market will not only protect lives but also boost business activity and restore the town’s image.

As the rainy season continues, the community remains hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the mounting crisis and ensure a safer, cleaner marketplace for all.

END.